Definition

Noun: 1. A tropical perennial plant: A species of flowering plant native to regions from the East Indies to Polynesia and Australia, known for its large, starchy tuber. 2. A source of edible starch: The plant is cultivated primarily for its large root, which is processed to produce a starch known as Otaheite arrowroot or Polynesian arrowroot.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer cultivated Tacca pinnatifida for its valuable root crop.
  • The starch from Tacca pinnatifida is a traditional food thickener in many Pacific islands.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In botanical and agricultural texts, is discussed for its cultivation, morphology, and use as a sustainable food source.
  • The study focused on the optimal growing conditions for Tacca pinnatifida.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: This plant is also commonly known as Polynesian arrowroot, Otaheite arrowroot, East Indian arrowroot, or pia.
• Tacca: The genus name for a group of tropical herbs, which includes other species like and .
• Arrowroot: A general term for starches derived from various tropical rhizomes, used as a thickener. starch is one specific type.

Synonyms

• Polynesian arrowroot (n): A direct synonym referring to the plant and its starch.
• Pia plant (n): A common name used in Polynesian languages.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning of is as the specific botanical name for the plant species. Its significance for human use is defined by its role as the source of Otaheite arrowroot starch. It is not typically used in idiomatic or figurative language.

Noun

1. perennial herb of East Indies to Polynesia and Australia; cultivated for its large edible root yielding Otaheite arrowroot starch